Packaging Corner: Make permanent, readable marks on beverages

Beverage bottlers—including producers of beer, soft drinks and waters—need to mark their primary packaging with product and date codes for identification, traceability or with more complex codes for brand promotion.

In addition to operating in highly demanding production environments, the challenge for producers has been achieving consistent mark contrast, legibility and durability against proliferating packaging types. Marks must be permanent and readable whatever the substrate, including metal cans, traditional or returnable glass, plastic bottles, pouches, boxes (also called liquid bricks), coated papers and caps.

The most commonly used primary beverage unit printing technology is continuous ink jet (CIJ), which typically requires a specific, dedicated ink formulation to achieve the best printing on each type of packaging, explains Michael Esnault, product marketing team leader for Markem-Imaje.

“Having to stock multiple types of inks introduces the potential for error, should an operator choose the wrong one when refilling a printer,” Esnault says. “That type of mistake is often not caught until after a production run is complete, causing product recalls or waste. A mark that initially looks perfect could be partially erased within 24 hours if the wrong ink was used.”

To address that issue, Markem-Imaje plans to introduce the new 9450 S CIJ printer for beverage marking at Pack Expo in September. The printer will launch with a full set of inks, including a quick drying, high-adhesion, high-contrast black ink that imprints universally on all substrates.

“The ability to use the same ink throughout a beverage manufacturing operation—on the can, plastic bottle and glass bottle lines—makes it easier to order and stock additional ink, and prevents confusion about which ink to use with each line,” he says.

The printer also imprints other colors, including orange and white for better contrast on darker colored bottles, such as brown returnable glass used with beer. Housed in a stainless steel cabinet and IP-rated against dust and water, it is suitable for washdowns and humid environments. Additionally, its operating speed accommodates seasonal production cycles.

“It marks two lines of variable information on up to 120,000 units per hour, helping facilities keep up with greater production demands during warmer months,” adds Esnault.